Which island in Hawaii has the best snorkeling?

Maui currently has the healthiest corals and the most Green Sea Turtles, and is our favorite island for snorkeling in Hawaii. But, the Big Island is a close second with lots of fish and some healthy corals to see, not to mention manta rays!



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Comparing between Kauai and Maui, there has to be a superior island right? Without a doubt, Maui definitely has the better offerings for snorkeling. Not only is the snorkeling good in Maui, but it is one of the best snorkeling locations in the entire world!

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The crystal-clear water (with an average of 150 feet of visibility) at Molokini Crater is what makes this one of the best snorkeling locations on Maui. Molokini is a popular place for both beginners and experienced snorkelers, and it is the top choice for morning snorkel tours in all of Maui.

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9 Best Places to Snorkel in the World
  • Baa Atoll, Maldives. Why it's special: Swim with manta rays, whale sharks and sea turtles in a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve. ...
  • Maui, Hawaii. ...
  • Koh Tao, Thailand. ...
  • Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt. ...
  • Great Barrier Reef, Australia. ...
  • Nusa Lembongan, Indonesia. ...
  • Bora Bora, French Polynesia. ...
  • Punta Mita, Mexico.


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But, there are important differences between Maui and Oahu vacations. If you're looking for a typical Hawaiian tourist vacation, Oahu offers Waikiki Beach, historical memorials and modern culture. Meanwhile, travelers should head to Maui to enjoy outdoorsy adventures, from snorkeling to hiking volcanic peaks.

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Kauai is the winner It has a variety of views and terrain to see. Rocky coastlines, beautiful beaches, lush jungles, and mountains and valleys. There is so much to see and do. Kauai tends to not be as popular as islands like Maui and Oahu so you can fully enjoy what the island offers.

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Oahu is Hawaii's most popular island, famous for great hikes like Diamond Head and stunning white sands like Waikiki Beach. On the other hand, Kauai is Hawaii's most tropical island and is a paradise for those after rugged coastlines and vibrant rainforests.

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The best time of the year to go snorkeling in Maui (just for being able to see many lively aquatic creatures) is definitely in the summer. The water will be warmer, winds will be slower, and any sea swells will be minimal.

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The average visitor to Maui spends 8.1 days on the island. How long you should stay depends on what you want to do, but you should plan to spend a minimum of five days on Maui.

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Like anywhere, the more time you spend on Maui, the more you can see. I recommend at least one week in order to experience all that Maui has to offer. You can still get a flavor of Maui even if you just visit for one day. However, as a minimum, try to plan 3 to 5 days in Maui.

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Usually Honolulu is more humid and warmer--if you are in town--than Lahaina. Lahaina is hot and dry. Septemeber is normally one of our hottest times, and unless there's a storm, very dry. Try going to NOAA and check the National Weather Service.

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While it is a good way to see some amazing snorkeling spots, like around Lanai or Molokai, a boat isn't required. Erica and I grab our snorkel gear and head into the water at our favorite beaches. There are ample white-sand beaches with excellent snorkeling 40 to 70 feet away from the shore break in Maui.

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